Yet, when the scale looks back at you with the same numbers or even a higher number you say “what the $#@&?”

Is this the end of your life as you know it?

Of course not!

In spite of all your frustrations, your weight on the scale isn’t the determining factor to whether or not you need to lose weight. It is important to make sure your BMI remains within a healthy range.

Based on a study, 22 pre-diabetic patients were subjected to a water-soluble cinnamon diet for 12 weeks, after which their body composition was compared to the original reading. The study resulted in a significant 1.1% increase in lean mass and 0.7% reduction in body fat.

A study published in 2007 from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the intake of 6g of cinnamon to rice pudding delayed the absorption of carbohydrates within the small intestine. Because their stomachs did not empty as quickly as they would have without the cinnamon, participants felt more full for longer.

This is very similar to how eating avocados every day can help with your appetite and satiety.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Nutritionin April 2016, researchers clearly stated that the honey and cinnamon mixture has significant effects on the reduction of your body weight.

It also helps improve with your lipid profile to help reduce cholesterol.

There was a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol levels, as well as weight loss of 4.85 pounds in just 40 days!

While further studies need to be performed in order to confirm cinnamon and honey for weight loss, let’s evaluate if honey and cinnamon can really help you lose weight and reduce sugar cravings without any adverse side effects.

Managing Sugar Intake With Honey and Cinnamon

It is important to moderate your blood sugar which helps reduce sugar cravings and consequently reduces fat storage within your body.

In a crossover study 30 subjects ingested 50 grams of cereal along with 6 grams of cinnamon. Their blood glucose results were tested every 15 minutes for 2 hours.

The results suggested that cinnamon helps maintain a steady blood glucose reading over a long-span of 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes with a slight increase in glucose levels at 120 minutes.

What if a portion of your favorite dessert, drizzled with cinnamon, could help you regulate your blood sugar levels?

Livestrong states that cinnamon can actually help you reduce your sugar intake as it has the ability to enhance the flavor of sugar.

Less sugar + cinnamon = Food that is sweet enough

Now let’s discuss honey and sugar reduction…

Despite having calories higher than table sugar, honey is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are required to digest excessive amounts of fat and reduce levels of bad cholesterol.

Since honey is not like table sugar and is a natural ingredient, the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals all work together. These compounds work together to metabolize fat and cholesterol which helps prevent obesity.

In addition to this…

My previous article on carbohydrates explains how the consumption of too much sugar can backfire with an intense sugar craving and a long-term feeling of fatigue.

Understanding Glycemic Index

Foods with a higher glycemic index rating — of above 70 — tend to skyrocket your blood sugar, then fall quickly in a short span of time.

When you eat foods that have a GI index score of 55 to 69, these foods tend to raise your blood sugar, but not as fast compared to high glycemic indexed foods.

Aiming to eat foods in your diet with a low GI of 55 is recommended. These foods help maintain blood sugar levels in a stable state for longer periods of time.

Pure honey falls in the ranking of 58 on the GI scale. Depending on how much fructose is in the particular honey you eat, the GI can be higher or lower.

To get more in-depth on GI and determine what foods fall into what GI scores, read my previous post here.

Word Of Caution

All nutrition and wellness advice is always backed up with the concept of moderation.

Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Even when it comes to natural products such as honey and cinnamon, consuming too much of them without the consultation from a healthcare practitioner, could prove to be detrimental.

Let me tell you how…

While cinnamon interacts with medications that lower blood sugar, it is also not safe for people who suffer from liver damage.

According to Mayo Clinic, honey on the other hand can lead to botulism poisoning when administered to infants below the age of one.

People suffering from pollen allergies should also avoid honey as it is made from pollen.

If you do not fall in these categories then try the cinnamon and honey combination to help you lose weight naturally.

Of course, honey and cinnamon are not going to allow you to lose excessive amounts of weight just by eating them together. Proper exercise, healthy breakfasts and balanced meals will help contribute to your weight loss.

What I like to do is add a little bit of honey on a teaspoon with a dash of cinnamon and eat it first thing in the morning. I also add cinnamon and honey to my smoothies after my workouts at the gym.

What ways do you like to incorporate honey and cinnamon in your meals? Let us know in the comment section below!

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2 Comments

Mary
on June 21, 2016 at 2:04 pm

Getting a sugar-rush and at the same time being fit and healthy is a great deal honey has to offer ! I have tried using honey and lemon to make a drink and have it the very first thing in the morning… Trust m it has worked for me to lose weight.. Honey does help curb your sugar cravings…
Also cinnamon is great for losing abdominal fat… You can try adding cinnamon to your herbal tea, or sprinkle it on a toast or maybe add it to your breakfast cereal..
I would consider having cinnamon and honey in my herbal tea for breakfast !!!